In 2009, James Cameron revolutionized cinema with “Avatar”. Never before has one been able to experience such impressive images in 3D. Four years earlier, another format with a similar title managed to inspire many viewers: “Avatar – The Lord of the Elements”. A fantasy series whose last episode aired before Cameron’s movie hit theaters. In English, the series is called “Avatar – The Last Airbender”, which M. Night Shyamalan also used in his 2010 film adaptation. This subtitle was not originally intended and the series would simply be called “Avatar”. However, this was not possible due to legal problems.
James Cameron was already working on his “Avatar” franchise in the mid-90s, which, according to its current status, should one day consist of five films. When someone puts their heart and soul into a movie series, you can imagine that they put a lot of thought into planning their movies. So Cameron thought it would be wise to secure the rights to the Avatar name early on.
Everyone has their own “avatar”!
This prompted the creators of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” to add “The Last Airbender” to the original. On Giancarlo Volpe, one of the series’ animators at the time, explained the following: “In 2004, we found out that we had to change the name of our series from ‘Avatar’ to ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ because James Cameron had secured the rights to a movie called ‘Avatar’.” The creators of “Avatar – The Last Airbender” had to spontaneously reschedule. After all, Nickelodeon already broadcast the first episode in 2005. The name change did not detract from the prestige of the series, as it played its way into the hearts of fans with its 61 episodes.
As an American series format, it did a wonderful job of adapting stylistic elements of Asian anime. At the same time, she presents the viewers with a lovingly crafted adventure whose world is based on East Asian culture and history. Last but not least, “Avatar – The Lord of the Elements” has found its way into meme culture. The series was so successful that its sequel, The Legend of Korra, aired in 2012. The name change did her no harm. Ultimately, it’s up to the fans what they think of when they hear “Avatar”.